Job perspectives in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy
article
The working career of 138 adult patients with autosomal dominant facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) was studied using a mailing questionnaire. Of 126 patients with an occupational history, the average female and male working career was 15 to 30 years, respectively. Of 61 respondents actually holding a job, only nine had adjustments for disease-related handicaps. Reaching above and below shoulder level was required in 24 jobs, although shoulder weakness is a presenting symptom of FSHD. In spite of these physical problems, 52 patients (85%) labelled their job as satisfying. The duration of their working career and the satisfaction with their work despite frequent physical problems warrant a careful vocational guidance of FSHD patients in order to prevent or postpone unemployment. Similar working career studies in patients with other neuromuscular disorders are worthwhile.
TNO Identifier
439863
Source
Disability and rehabilitation, 15(1), pp. 24-28.
Pages
24-28
Files
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